The New York Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the Center for Economic Growth (CEG) launched the first state-supported Solarize campaign aimed at helping manufacturers install clean-energy producing solar systems. The campaign will bring together potential solar customers in the Capital Region to receive competitive pricing through joint purchasing arrangements. Expanding the adoption of solar installations by manufacturers is vital to supporting Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s energy requirement for 50 percent of New York’s electricity to come from renewable sources by 2030.

The Solarize campaign was announced during a ribbon-cutting at Dimension Fabricators, in Glenville, where the 942-kilowatt (kW) installation will provide energy equivalent to that needed to power 150 homes annually. President and CEO of NYSERDA Alicia Barton, Congressman Paul Tonko, President and CEO of CEG Andrew Kennedy, President of Dimension Fabricators Scott Stevens, and local business leaders were on hand for the event, which highlighted how manufacturers could benefit from solar installations.

“Adopting solar energy is a smart way for large manufacturers to lower their energy costs and their carbon footprint at the same time,” Alicia Barton, President and CEO, NYSERDA said. “By expanding the Solarize campaign to the manufacturing sector participating companies will drive even more competitive pricing while helping to advance Governor Cuomo’s nation-leading commitment to adoption of renewable energy across New York.”

Congressman Paul Tonko said, “Solar and other clean energy sources are quickly becoming the foundation for our long-term energy future, both here in the Capital Region and in communities all across the country. Efforts like this one not only strengthen our region’s energy security and resiliency, they also bolster our long-term prospects for truly sustainable economic growth and job creation in the Capital Region and beyond. Our region is lucky to have forward-looking companies such as Dimension Fabricators ready to seize these clean energy opportunities, and I look forward to seeing the fruits of progress supported by this groundbreaking effort.”

CEG’s SolarGEN Solarize campaign targets manufacturers looking to install commercial solar systems, but non-manufacturing commercial sites are also eligible. Customers will use a “Solar Profile” that records key facility information that is useful for partnering with developers who wish to bid on a project. The program aggregates this information, enabling each facility to obtain individual bids from up to three vetted developers. The campaign streamlines the process, saving customers time and money. Solarize campaigns build on the progress of New York’s Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) strategy to build a clean, resilient and affordable energy system for all New Yorkers. Click here for more information on CEG SolarGEN.

Andrew Kennedy, CEG President and CEO said, “CEG’s SolarGEN campaign provides a one-stop resource for local manufacturing and commercial facilities to improve performance and maximize the benefits of renewable and alternative energy technologies. We encourage manufacturers and other businesses to join the Capital Region’s rapidly expanding ‘Solar Generation’ that is driving facility savings and preventing the exportation of energy costs out of our community through CEG’s SolarGEN.”

CEG SolarGEN is receiving funds through the State’s Solarize program, now in its third round, launched last year. Governor Cuomo announced that 850 solar projects have already been installed or are in development throughout New York State as a result of the second round of the Solarize campaign.

Dimension Fabricators’ solar array was developed by EnterSolar and features approximately 3,310 solar panels. The rooftop solar array covers the entire roof of one of the company’s buildings, with 3,310 panels. The solar array was supported with $369,636 in funding through NY-Sun and payback for the $1.9-million system is expected within six years, reducing their operating costs. Dimension Fabricators manufactures concrete reinforcing steel and related materials.

Scott Stevens, President of Dimension Fabricators said, “This investment makes us environmentally friendly and our products sustainable, things our customers are always asking for. We already installed LED lighting and made several other energy reduction investments, but this array is a serious effort that will reduce our carbon footprint by 700 metric tons per year! The benefits provided by NYSERDA and the federal investment tax credit will reduce our payback to around six years. But, despite all that, this is just the right thing to do.”

Paul Ahern, President, EnterSolar said, "We are proud to be here today in two capacities. As the developer of this magnificent system at Dimension Fabricators, we are proud to be here to unveil this significant project for the capital region and we thank Dimension Fabricators for their investment in solar and their community. We are equally aligned with the mission of CEG to grow New York State's economy. We’re pleased to add Dimension Fabricators to our roster of marquis New York State projects including Stewart’s Shops, Bloomberg, Cornell University and Swiss Re, among others."

Both Dimension Fabricators and the CEG SolarGEN campaign received support from NY-Sun, Governor Cuomo’s $1 billion initiative to advance the scale-up of solar and move the State closer to having a sustainable, self-sufficient solar industry. Since 2011, solar in New York State has increased nearly 800 percent and leveraged nearly $1.5 billion in private investments. There are more than 8,000 people engaged in solar jobs across New York.

About NYSERDA

NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation, offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise, and funding to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. NYSERDA professionals work to protect the environment and create clean-energy jobs. NYSERDA has been developing partnerships to advance innovative energy solutions in New York State since 1975. To learn more about NYSERDA’s programs and funding opportunities, visit nyserda.ny.gov or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, or Instagram.

About CEG Business Growth Solutions

CEG SolarGEN is being implemented by the Energy and Sustainability Program of the economic development organization’s Business Growth Solutions (BGS) unit. BGS is the Capital Region’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Center. CEG BGS is part of the New York MEP program, which is facilitated by National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and New York Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation. The Energy and Sustainability Program is funded by National Grid and the Empire State Development.

About Dimension Fabricators

Dimension Fabricators, Inc., producer and fabricator of concrete reinforcing steel products, has served the construction industry since 1984. From its Glenville, New York location, the Company manufactures and delivers its products throughout the eastern United States: rebar, epoxy coated steel, wire mesh, assembled cages, welded steel fabrications, threaded anchors, and other related products. Dimension has continuously adopted & developed new technology, earning a reputation as the fabricator of difficult and challenging civil and structural reinforcing work. With a staff of 90 employees, including engineers, welders, truck drivers, architects, technicians, and accountants, Dimension Fabricators is one of the largest companies of its kind on the east coast. For more information, visit www.dimensionfab.com.

About Reforming the Energy Vision

Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) is Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's strategy to lead on climate change and grow New York's economy. REV is building a cleaner, more resilient and affordable energy system for all New Yorkers by stimulating investment in clean technologies like solar, wind, and energy efficiency and requiring 50 percent of the state's electricity needs to be generated from renewable energy by 2030. Already, REV has driven a nearly 800 percent growth in the statewide solar market, enabled over 105,000 low-income households to permanently cut their energy bills with energy efficiency, and created thousands of jobs in manufacturing, engineering, installation and other clean-tech sectors. REV is ensuring New York State reduces statewide greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030 and achieves the internationally-recognized target of reducing emissions 80 percent by 2050. To learn more about REV, including the Governor's $5 billion investment in clean energy technology and innovation, please visit www.ny.gov/REV4NY and follow us at @Rev4NY.

Based in New York City, EnterSolar is a leading provider of solar photovoltaic systems to the commercial marketplace. Unique in our combination of business operations & solar expertise, we work with commercial enterprises to deliver optimal energy solutions with compelling, long-term return on investment.